Ms Catherine Cox:

I know Cara and Mark Dermody were before the committee. She made a valid point that we are not treating this like the house on fire it is. They have allowed me to speak about their family situation. They have two sons with autism. One of them got early intervention, which has made a huge difference; the oldest son did not, and now they are seeing the results of that. Early intervention is crucial. It is not just early assessment, but then getting the therapies and supports they need to live their best lives. Denying children those denies them the right to develop to their full potential. It is storing up hurt and future costs to the State.